A disturbing video circulating online has sparked national outrage after showing a San Bernardino police officer forcefully body-slamming a 17-year-old girl, identified as Erin, who was partially handcuffed, face-first into the pavement.
The incident occurred on May 21 outside a grocery store on West 2nd Street, where officers responded to reports of trespassing and a fight. But what unfolded has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates and Erin’s family, who say the teen was wrongfully targeted and violently assaulted.
“I’m Not the Same Anymore”
Erin and her family held an emotional press conference Sunday. The teen, visibly shaken, recounted her injuries.
“My whole body hurts — my head, my face, my wrist. I’m not the same anymore,” Erin said.
Her mother, Tanya Brownridge, expressed deep frustration over the lack of immediate medical attention her daughter received after the incident.
“She’s still hurting, and we want justice,” Brownridge said. “They let her bleed for hours before treating her properly.”
Erin’s grandmother, Rhonda Taylor, described seeing her granddaughter’s blood by a police car.
“She’s a child,” Taylor said. “Seeing her blood like that is heartbreaking.”
What the Video Shows
The now-viral video appears to show Erin already partially restrained by the officer before being slammed to the ground. Witnesses say the use of force was unnecessary and traumatizing.
The San Bernardino Police Department released a statement via social media, claiming the officer attempted to handcuff Erin, but she allegedly resisted and tried to walk away, prompting what they called a “takedown maneuver.”
They further explained that use of force is based on behavior — not age or race.
However, Erin’s family contends that the teen and her friends were the victims of an earlier altercation inside the store and were not the aggressors. They say police mishandled the situation and targeted Erin without proper investigation.
Calls for Independent Investigation
The family is now urging California Attorney General Rob Bonta to launch an independent investigation into the incident. Civil rights advocates have echoed that demand, citing a pattern of aggressive policing tactics disproportionately affecting Black youth.
“We just want the truth and for those responsible to be held accountable,” said Brownridge.
The incident adds to growing scrutiny over police interactions with minors, particularly those involving use of force against Black children and teens. Advocates warn that such encounters can leave lifelong physical and emotional trauma.
National Conversation on Police Accountability
This case joins a broader national conversation around law enforcement accountability, youth safety, and the need for de-escalation training. Legal experts say incidents like Erin’s underscore the need for civilian oversight, especially when the subject is a minor.
No disciplinary action against the officer has been publicly announced as of yet.
